Polar Expedition 
Superior Stateroom
21 m2
3
- New
Expedition to the edge of the Ice Sheet - with National Geographic
Reykjavík - Kangerlussuaq
Dates:
14/07/2022
to
27/07/2022
days
nights on board
Transfer + vol Kangerlussuaq/Paris
In collaboration with National Geographic Expeditions.
This PONANT itinerary is your chance to embark on a brand-new 14-day expedition cruise to Greenland. Aboard L’Austral, you will follow the Vikings' route, the first Europeans to discover eastern Greenland as far as Nuuk, in the steps of Erik the Red. You will also enjoy a combination of adventure and discovery in the company of an experienced team of naturalist guides, anthropologists, ornithologists and marine mammal specialists...
From Reykjavik, you will touch the east coast of Greenland in Tasiilaq, a city founded by the Danish explorer Gustav Holm. Located on Ammassalik island, on the edge of an inlet, it offers a breathtaking view of the icebergs whose thousand blue glittering reflections dot the horizon.
During your cruise and Zodiac® outings, you will have many opportunities to admire an abundant and varied fauna: seals, whales, orcas, not to mention the many species of seabirds.
Your ship will then sail down the narrow Prins Christian Sund passage, which connects the south-east of Greenland to the south-west. Jagged mountains, rocky cliffs, waterfalls and floating ice form a wonderful wild landscape in which frolic colonies of bearded seals.
To the country’s west, you will sail amid the blue icebergs of the Narsaq region, and among the largest icebergs in the Northern Hemisphere in Disko Bay.
We are privileged guests in these remote lands where we are at the mercy of weather, ice, tidal and current conditions. Landings on certain sites and the observation of certain wildlife cannot be guaranteed. They vary from day to day, making each PONANT cruise a unique experience. The Captain and the Expedition Leader will make every effort to ensure that your experience is as rich as possible, while complying with the safety rules and instructions imposed by the AECO.
Ref : RK175 - A140722
Your itinerary
A brand-new cruise in collaboration with National Geographic Expeditions offering enrichment with a National Geographic Photographer and an Expert onboard. Outings and shore visits in Zodiac® inflatables...
View detailed itinerary
Your trip in detail
Choose your stateroom
Choose your stateroom
Superior Stateroom
(21 m2)
Fully booked
Deluxe Stateroom
(18 m2)
Fully booked
Prestige Deck 4
(18 m2)
From 13.640 €
Prestige Deck 5
(18 m2)
From 14.280 €
Prestige Deck 6
(18 m2)
Fully booked
Deluxe Suite
(27 m2)
Fully booked
Prestige Deck 5 Suite
(37 m2)
From 27.610 €
Prestige Deck 6 Suite
(37 m2)
Fully booked
Owner's Suite
(45 m2)
Fully booked
Complete your trip
Complete your trip
Included in your cruise
For more peace of mind, PONANT organizes your trip before or after the cruise. This package is included in the price of your cruise.
Additional services
For more peace of mind, PONANT selects flights and takes care of your transfers for your trip as well as shore visits before and after the cruise.
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LE JACQUES-CARTIER
LE SOLEAL
21/10/2022 to the 01/11/2022
- New
LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
L'AUSTRAL
04/11/2022 to the 20/11/2022
- New
LE LAPEROUSE
09/11/2022 to the 23/11/2022
*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
Services provided
- 24h room service
- Inclusive Internet access Wi-Fi (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Hermès top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar included
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- Three ADA staterooms
Select your stateroom category
Expedition programmes include activities such as Zodiac® outings and landings (sometimes with "wet landing"), moderate walks to more active hikes, all accompanied by your expedition team of naturalist guides.
Ports of call, visited sites, outings and landings will depend on weather conditions, position of ice, winds and the state of the sea. These can force a change of plans at any time. The Captain and the Expedition Leader may at any time cancel or stop any activity, or even modify the itinerary. The final itinerary will be confirmed by the Captain, who will take into account the touristic quality of the sites and above all, the safety of the passengers. His decision will be based on advice from experts and authorities.
Travelling to polar/isolated regions is an exhilarating experience in remote areas: please remember that you are far from modern hospitals with full medical facilities, thus evacuation is extremely expensive. Without adequate medical coverage, all expenses will have to be immediately paid with your personal funds. We urge you to subscribe to full coverage insurance, choose your insurance company very carefully, be extremely vigilant and ensure your insurance is fully comprehensive, especially if you are insured by your credit card. PONANT offers an insurance contract with extensive guarantees, please contact us for more information.
Clothing tips:
- A PONANT polar water-resistant parka is offered on board for all departures with an Expedition programme (no children sizes, in case of consecutive cruises, only one complimentary parka).
- Half calf rubber boots with non-slip soles, which will allow you to go ashore in 20 cm of cold water, keeping your feet dry for walks and visits on steep paths. Boot rental will be offered onboard (for adults only) on Expedition cruises.
- Comfortable trousers: classic Winter trousers, warm cotton tracksuit, wool leggings
- Waterproof and windproof over-trousers – MANDATORY
- Winter trousers with waterproof over trousers are the ideal combination: water-resistance and comfort of trousers are essential
- Pullover, sweat-shirt or fleece jacket
- Woollen or thermolactyl Thermal underwear
- A warm hat, woollen ear muffs or fleece ear muffs, fleece or woollen neck warmer (avoid scarves that do not stay in place)- MANDATORY
- Wool or silk glove liners, water-resistant and supple gloves
- Thick warm socks (ideally woollen)
Accessories:
- Small waterproof backpack (to protect your camera from water).
- Binoculars (strongly recommended for wildlife viewing).
- Highly protective sunglasses.
- Walking poles (highly recommended).
Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
- Simple dress
- Skirt or trousers
- Blouse
- Polo
For men:
- Pleated trousers or chinos
- Sports jacket
- Shirt
- Polo
Officer’s evening:
Depending on the itinerary and the program of your cruise, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
- Cocktail attire
- Evening dress (if you wish to)
For men:
- Dark suit
- Tie recommended, possibly bow tie (if you wish to)
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
INSULATED BASE LAYER:
- Wool or thermolactyl technical underwear
- Polar or technical jacket
- Polar sweater or sweatshirt
- Silk or wool glove liners
- Wool leggings
- Warm hiking socks
WATERPROOF OUTER LAYER:
- Waterproof over-trousers - Mandatory
- Waterproof parka - Offered on board (not available in children’s sizes)
- Windbreaker – Mandatory
- A warm woollen hat covering your ears
- Polar or woollen neck warmer
- Waterproof technical gloves
HEALTH CARE:
- Sunscreen
- Lip protection balm
- Mosquito repellent, anti-itch balm and mosquito head net (Greenland)
- Medications and prescriptions
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
- Casual outfits for the day
- Smarter outfits for dinners
- Elegant outfits for Gala evenings
- White or black and white outfit
ACCESSORIES:
- Highly protective sunglasses
- Binoculars
- Walking poles
- Small waterproof backpack
- Swimsuit (for the spa on board)
- Gym wear (fitness)
- Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
- Mobile phone charger
PONANT activities
Highlights
- A brand-new cruise in collaboration with National Geographic Expeditions offering enrichment with a National Geographic Photographer and an Expert onboard.
- Outings and shore visits in Zodiac® inflatables with a team of experienced naturalist guides.
- Possibility of hikes.
- UNESCO site: Ilulissat Icefjord.
- Visit traditional villages and meet the Inuit people.
- Following in the footsteps of the Vikings, from the east coast of Greenland to Hvalso, home to ancient remains and Nuuk.
- Sail along the Prins Christian Sund, a narrow, 100-km long passage that winds its way through cliffs and glaciers.
- Visit to Nuuk, the capital of Greenland.
- Discover the Eqi Glacier, at the bottom of Disko Bay, where the Paul-Émile Victor base marked the departure of many expeditions to the ice cap.
- Discover Disko Bay, where you will see the largest icebergs in the Northern Hemisphere.
- The scenery: fjords, iridescent glaciers and icebergs, wild tundra, lakes, and mountain ranges.
- The wildlife: humpback whales, orcas, seals, musk oxen, Arctic foxes.
Ports of Call & Excursions
14 July 2022 15 July 2022 - Reykjavík
Embarkation 14/07/2022 from 16:00 to 17:00
Departure 15/07/2022 at 00:00
Iceland’s capital stretches along the edge of a vast bay in the west of the country. Perlan, the “Pearl of Reykjavík”, a museum located on ’Oskjuhlið hill, offers a panoramic view of the lush, green landscapes. A little further, one can easily spot the signpost showing the way to the evangelical Hallgrímskirkja church, and to the historical centre where one can stroll along the Skólavördustígur and the Laugavegur, two lively streets with charming small shops. For some relaxation just outside of the city, visitors have the opportunity to visit the Reykjanes peninsula and its famous thermal lagoons of the Blue Lagoon.
16 July 2022 - At sea
Arrival 16/07/2022
Departure 16/07/2022
During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
17 July 2022 - Tasiilaq
Arrival 17/07/2022
Departure 17/07/2022
In Tasiilaq, on Ammassalik Island, follow in the wake of Captain Jean-Baptiste Charcot’s famous ship, the Pourquoi Pas ?, which set off with its crew in 1935 to discover this small island of primitive and wild beauty that remained unexplored until the end of the 19th century. Along with Ittoqqortoormiit, a village with 500 inhabitants located at the entrance of the Scoresby Sound, the village of Tasiilaq and its surroundings, 800 kilometres (500 miles) further north, are the only inhabited areas on the east coast of Greenland. The name of this island is a reference to the capelin, a small flamboyant silver-coloured fish whose presence in the thousands announces to inhabitants the return of spring. A surprising discovery in a spectacular setting.
17 July 2022 - Sermilik Fjord
Arrival 17/07/2022
Departure 17/07/2022
You will be captivated by the spectacular scenery of the Sermilik Fjord, the largest in the south-east of Greenland. To the north, above the glacial valleys, the Schweitzerland Alps and their peaks that rise to an altitude of more than 3,000 metres (10,000 feet) stretch out in the distance, while in the south, where it opens onto the Irminger Sea, heavy erosion has carved the landscape. Three main glaciers calve a multitude of dazzling icebergs that drift serenely along the indigo waters of this majestic fjord. It owes its name to the Inuit word Sermilik, which generally refers to a fjord into which a glacier flows. It was mapped in 1884 by the Danish explorer Gustav Holm and his crew, while they wintered in the Ammassalik region.
18 July 2022 - Skjoldungen
Arrival 18/07/2022
Departure 18/07/2022
Discover Skjoldungen Island on the south-east coast of Greenland. This uninhabited land boasts magnificent landscapes that are sure to dazzle you. The island is surrounded by a stunning fjord, a distinctive feature of which is its double entrance: it forms a bend before joining the sea on the other side. Mountains, glacial valleys, rocky outcrops, tundra and willow forests make up the beautiful scenery which you will be able to admire more closely when you land here. At this port of call, surrounded by wild and pristine nature, it is quite common to see bearded seals, orcas, but also birds such as the common redpoll, the northern wheatear, or the common raven.
19 July 2022 - Augpilatok
Arrival 19/07/2022
Departure 19/07/2022
Augpilatok, is a small Inuit village of around one hundred inhabitants, whose name means “sea anemone” in Greenlandic. Located in a mountainous region inaccessible by road, its picturesque, colourful houses stretch out to the southern tip of Greenland, on the banks of the spectacular Prince Christian Sound. Some one hundred kilometres long, the sound connects the Labrador Sea to the Irminger Sea, meandering through stunning landscapes such as majestic glaciers, craggy peaks, and rocky cliffs with waterfalls fed by the ice sheet. This region was uninhabited in the 19th century. The village was created in the 1920s and the main activities revolve around hunting, fishing and livestock farming.
20 July 2022 - Hvalso
Arrival 20/07/2022
Departure 20/07/2022
Around you, a grassy meadow filled with flowers stretches out, dotted with imposing granite rocks. A few semi-wild sheep and horses greet you; they are the only inhabitants of this place surrounded by beautiful mountains. You are in Hvalsø, in the heart of the fertile lands in Greenland’s south. During the 10th century, this site was colonised by the Vikings, who established a large community here. When your ship calls at these lands brimming with history, you will see the ruins of a church whose remains are still very well preserved. It was most likely built in the 14th century. It has lost its timber roof, but its four stone walls continue to stand proudly as a moving relic of a long-gone era.
20 July 2022 - Narsaq Fjord
Arrival 20/07/2022
Departure 20/07/2022
From your ship, discover the town of Narsaq. You will be dazzled by the beauty of the surrounding icebergs − large masses of ice in different shapes and shifting colours. Dominated by lush mountains, this small town is typical of Greenland and is located in the heart of a wonderful natural landscape. The multicoloured house facades and the glaciers with their myriad shades of blue offer a magical setting, conducive to wonderment.
21 July 2022 - Ivigtut
Arrival 21/07/2022
Departure 21/07/2022
Located in the Arsuk Fjord, Ivigtut, now called Ivittuut, is a small town in southwestern Greenland known for being rich in cryolite, a very rare mineral used in the ceramics industry and to extract aluminium from bauxite. The open-pit mine was a once major economic resource for Greenland: a prosperous mining activity developed there in the 19th century until 1963 when the mine was closed. In the 32 km-long (22 miles) fjord that runs along the small town surrounded by tundra landscapes, you might be fortunate enough to see whales or rorquals swimming nonchalantly in the cold water.
22 July 2022 - Nuuk
Arrival 22/07/2022
Departure 22/07/2022
When Erik Le Rouge, the exiled Norse chief, landed on the coast of Nuuk, he found a fertile and welcoming land dotted with fjords. He settled there with a group of his former countrymen, and the Norse remained the principal inhabitants until, over a period of 500 years, their population declined and gave way to the Inuit. Nuuk is situated at the mouth of one of the largest networks of fjords in the world, where the waters never freeze. The town spreads gently out towards the Davis Strait and enjoys an historic center that is particularly rich in national heritage. The vivid reds, blues, greens and yellows of the houses are a lively contrast to the somber waters of Greenland and serve to lift the spirits of the locals during the Winter months.
23 July 2022 - Sisimiut
Arrival 23/07/2022
Departure 23/07/2022
During your cruise, we invite you to discover Sisimiut, founded in 1756 and the second largest town in Greenland. This small town is typical of Greenland, boasting bewitching panoramas: here and there, colourful stilt houses dot the undulating landscape, and the small fishing port stands as the gateway to an icy realm. As for the town centre, it is home to a number of historic buildings, a small church and a museum which retraces the history of the Inuit people, as well as many craft shops. When your ship drops anchor here, you will set out to meet the locals in a typically arctic atmosphere.
24 July 2022 - Paul-Émile Victor Base Camp, Eqi Glacier
Arrival 24/07/2022
Departure 24/07/2022
"The most beautiful place in the Arctic" is how Paul-Émile Victor described Greenland, a land of great icebergs and of towering ice formations calved by the giant glaciers of the polar ice cap. The Eqi Glacier is one of the region’s most impressive sights. Here, the silence is broken only by the roaring and cracking of the ice. It is impossible to know if one is shivering from cold or from the sheer thrill of being here... Imagine the vast outline of a glacier, its translucent crystals glowing with an ice-blue fire in the sunlight. Paul-Émile Victor’s shelter cannot be overlooked; it was from here that the French Polar Expeditions’ anthropological and geographic explorations set off in the 1950s.
25 July 2022 - Disko Bay
Arrival 25/07/2022
Departure 25/07/2022
To the east of Baffin Bay, discover Disko Bay, scattered with countless icebergs produced by the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From your ship, admire the majestic ballet of these ice giants as they slowly drift across the dark waters. This site is a natural marvel of Greenland, and is also renowned as an observation point for the region’s many humpback whales. The encounters with wild fauna and stunning landscapes in the heart of this spectacular and fragile nature will be pure moments of wonder for you.
26 July 2022 - Itilleq
Arrival 26/07/2022
Departure 26/07/2022
Itilleq is a tiny island lying within the Arctic Circle, 45 km south of Sisimiut. Home to barely 100 people, they mainly earn a living from fishing and hunting in their typical Greenlandic village, whose bright colours evoke those of their traditional clothing. During your visit, you will maybe have the pleasure of playing a game of football with them, enjoying a “kaffemik” (a coffee break) or a moment of contemplation when the gentle light of the midnight sun dapples the horizon.
27 July 2022 - Kangerlussuaq
Arrival 27/07/2022 early morning
Disembarkation 27/07/2022 at 07:00
From 1941 to 1992, the town of Kangerlussuaq in Greenland was home to an American military base. Nowadays, thanks to its international airport, it has become a transit point for travellers seeking adventure in the Far North. Located to the north of the Arctic Circle, this town is the starting point of magnificent discoveries surrounded by unspoiled nature. Indeed, just a few dozen kilometres from there it is possible to get close to the Greenland ice sheet, the largest body of ice in the Northern Hemisphere. From Kangerlussuaq, admire also the superb landscapes of tundra in autumnal colours, where Arctic hares, musk oxen, Arctic foxes, reindeer, falcons and eagles live.
The Ice Fjord by the sea
As your ship will be at anchoring, you will board small local boats directly from the ship.
First, you will cruise along the coast to discover Ilulissat and its coloured houses, and then get to the open-sea to reach the ice fjord, the Isfjord. The small boats will slide on the calm waters of the Disko Bay, by clearing its way between the small ice packs.
You will perhaps see the boats of some fishermen and seal hunters. Then, huge white masses with bluish glints and deep caverns will appear… icebergs! The vision is imposing and gripping!
At the end of this navigation among the ices, you will go back to your ship.
- For this excursion and like everywhere else in Greenland, we recommend you wear comfortable shoes, a wind and waterproof jacket, a hat and sunglasses and to take a warm pullover and an insect repellent. Please be aware that this excursion is submitted to weather and ice conditions.
Total : 120 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Sermermiut & the Ice Fjord
From the wharf, your coach will drive you through Ilulissat to the south. Upon arrival, a guided walk of about 45 minutes will lead you to the idyllic Sermermiut valley that lies out towards the ice fjord.
In 1727, the place was Greenland’s biggest settlement and home to more than 250 people. Excavations have subsequently revealed that, for thousands of years, the beautiful valley has at various times been home to all of the cultures that have lived along the west coast of Greenland. This abandoned settlement is nowadays a very important archaeology centre for scientists, even if there aren’t any spectacular relics of these civilisations, as the Inuits did not build huge constructions.
Here, the main highlights are the beautiful landscapes of this sober, pure and fascinating nature: white and bluish masses, rising like mysterious mountains… Icebergs everywhere! Indeed, the Sermermiut Glacier is the most ice-productive in the northern hemisphere.
You will then walk back to your coach so as to return to Ilulissat, the old city and the port. You may wish to saunter in the city, and perhaps pay homage to Knud Rasmussen, the famous Danish explorer born in Ilulissat, whose childhood home is now a museum.
- For this excursion including a round-trip walk of 1½ hour and like everywhere else in Greenland, we recommend you wear comfortable shoes, a wind and waterproof jacket, a hat and sunglasses, and take a warm pullover and an insect repellent. Please note that this excursion is submitted to weather conditions.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
L'Austral
Innovative design, sleek shape and profile, refined interior decoration, friendly, intimate atmosphere: French designers and decorators have managed to give this ship a unique style and veritable signature of its own. Combinations of fine materials, colours and tones harmoniously livened up with touches of bright colour, elegant lines, discreet and subtle refinement… everything has been designed to create a unique atmosphere onboard, a veritable personality: the chic style and naturally relaxing ambiance of a veritable private yacht.
Up to 264 Guests
132 staterooms & suites
145 crew members
Spa
2 restaurants
Decks
Transfer + vol Kangerlussuaq/Paris
For your serenity, PONANT selects a flight and organises the transfer between the port and the airport. This package is included in your cruise fare.
Disembarkation Day - Kangerlussuaq/Paris
Disembarkation.
Meet and greet at the port by our local English-speaking representative.
Transfer to the airport in time for check-in of flight Kangerlussuaq/Paris selected by PONANT.
Flight Kangerlussuaq/Paris selected by PONANT.
Approximate flight duration: 5 h.
We highly recommend you stay one night in Paris after this flight.
This programme includes:
- Flight Kangerlussuaq/Paris selected by PONANT in economy class.
- Transfer as mentioned in the programme.
- English-speaking assistance.
This programme does not include:
- Personal expenses.
- Any other service not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
- Due to limited local transportation resources, waiting might be generated.
- Flight included in the programme is as of today, operated in economy class, on a European airline.
- For passengers in transit in Paris, we recommend staying one night in Paris after this flight.
- Programme and flight schedule are subject to change without prior notice.
Polar Expedition
Realise your dream of adventure in the polar regions ! From your ship’s deck, aboard a Zodiac® inflatable or from land, discover the icy vastness and the fauna of Antarctica (humpback whales, seals, penguins and more) or the Arctic's fjords, glaciers and icebergs in shifting colours, not to mention the polar bears, the variety of wildlife and the special moments shared with the locals. Our team of naturalist guides share their knowledge with you during varied lectures about the fauna, the flora, the history of great explorations, geology and climatology. Thanks to its conscientiousness and to the responsible approach that is its hallmark, PONANT has been a leader and expert in cruises to these destinations for more than 20 years.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
27/07/2022 - COMFORT PACKAGE: TRANSFER AIRPORT/HOTEL + NIGHT IN PARIS CDG AIRPORT
110 €
Find out moreTRANSFER TO THE PIER OF REYKJAVIK
Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your transfer between the airport and your port of embarkation.
Reykjavik
Meet at Reykjavik airport in the arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT.
You will depart the airport by coach and be directly transferred to the pier to embark on your ship.
Your programme includes:
- Transfers as mentioned in the programme.
- English speaking assistance.
Your programme does not include:
- Tips for the driver and local guide.
- Personal expenses
- Other services not mentioned in the programme.
To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Total : 70 €
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
HELICOPTER FLIGHT OVER THE GLACIER
This overland must be prebooked and prepaid at least 60 days prior to your cruise. Any reservation made after this deadline will be confirmed on-board based on availability. A minimum of participants must be booked in order to operate this tour. 100 % of total cost will be billed for cancellations made less than 60 days before departure.
From the quay, you will get to the airport by coach. The helicopters used are generally Bell 212 with 10 seats each or S-61 Sikorsky with 18 seats.
A helicopter trip in Greenland is an unforgettable experience! On board these helicopters, you will be able to experience the spectacular scenery of Disko Bay and the chance to see the ice fjord and ice cap in the most exclusive way. The ice fjord and the glacier make up a world-class area of outstanding natural beauty, as a result the fjord was added to UNESCO's World Heritage List in 2004. The figures speak for themselves: the glacier is more than 1,160 sq. miles ( 3,000 km2 ) in area and calves about 40 cubic kilometres of ice every year. The ice from the glaciers thus totally dominates the sea in large parts of Disko Bay and in the sea west of Greenland.
From the air, the big floating icebergs become tiny, white cotton wads on a blue surface. When the helicopter flies above the ice sheet there is an exceptional view of the head of the glacier, where the icebergs are created, and of the enormous expanse of ice. The flight back takes place at low altitude through the ice fjord, which is densely populated with enormous icebergs.
- This excursion includes a 1-hour flight. Like everywhere else in Greenland, we recommend you wear comfortable shoes, a wind and waterproof jacket, a hat and sunglasses and to take a warm sweater and insect repellent. Please be aware that this excursion is obviously completely subject to weather conditions and that the number of seats is limited. The seat assignment will be done by the local pilot. Unfortunately, seats cannot be preassigned.
Duration of excursions are given as a guide only. The order of the visits may be reversed.
Total : 690 €
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
GLACIER ADVENTURE
This overland must be prebooked and prepaid at least 60 days prior to your cruise. Any reservation made after this deadline will be confirmed on board based on availability. A minimum of participants must be booked to operate this tour. 100% of total cost for cancellations made less than 60 days before departure.
This super four-wheel drive tour starts with a visit to Iceland’s first National Park Thingvellir, where the oldest still existing parliament in the world was founded and assembled through centuries in a grandiose landscape. Thingvellir is also very important from a geological point of view.
The route ascends to an elevation of 700 metres (2,300 feet) above sea level over Kaldidalur, a valley-like, rocky and barren defile between the snow-capped Ok (1,198 m – 3,930 ft) and Langjokull Glacier (1,355 m - 4,445 ft). This spectacular glacier is a continuous, solid shield of ice, in places up to 900 metres (2,950 ft) in thickness and about 1,000 square kilometres (386 sq. miles) in area, the country’s second biggest field of ice.
Continuing on, in heated snow four-wheel drive vehicle with covered bodyworks, into the icy world of the glacier. On board our vehicle, we will drive on the glacier as it is suited for travelling around the wonder-world of ice. After returning from this marvellous adventure we have our light lunch break (buffet).
The route continues into the Borgarfjordur district, visiting the extraordinarily beautiful waterfalls Hraunfossar and Barnafoss, where water emerges in many small falls from beneath a lava field. Drive past Reykholt where the 13th century historian and Prose Edda writer, Snorri Sturluson, lived. Next, we stop at Deildartunguhver, Europe’s mightiest hot spring with high-spouting spurts of boiling water. Continuing over mountain ridges and through pretty lake dotted valleys towards one of the longest fjords of the country, the scenic Hvalfjordur fjord and driving along the shores back to Reykjavik.
- We recommend you wear warm clothes and good walking shoes. This excursion is not recommended for persons suffering from back problems. A minimum of 10 participants is required to operate this tour. Please be aware that this excursion is obviously completely subject to weather conditions.
Duration of excursions are given as a guide only. The order of the visits may be reversed.
Total : 320 €
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
SKY LAGOON RITUAL
This overland must be prebooked and prepaid at least 60 days prior to your cruise. Any reservation made after this deadline will be confirmed on board based on availability. A minimum of participants must be booked to operate this tour. 100% of total cost for cancellations made less than 60 days before departure.
Immerse yourself in warmth at an oceanside geothermal lagoon. The dramatic North Atlantic Ocean stretches out before you. Live a unique experience at the Sky Lagoon, a place of well-being that reconnects visitors to their body, in the purest Icelandic tradition.
This is an artificial site where hot water is captured at a depth of more than 1000 m by a geothermal drilling station and is sent by pipe line to Reykjavik. A small part of this water is "diverted" to basins, then cooled, to a temperature of 30 to 40° celsiu, and brought to outdoor pools. The vapours that emanate from the water also give the landscape its phantasmagoric character. Its waters, rich in minerals and silica, have a recognized therapeutic effect for the skin.
After a short transfer, enjoy 2 ½ hours of free time in the warm waters of the lagoon and enjoy all the benefits and virtues of a 7-step ritual:
- Relax in the lagoon, to reconnect with serenity, after a long journey to Iceland;
- Cool down with the cold plunge, to stimulate your immune system;
- Relax in the sauna, to allow the heat to open your pores, remove toxins and cleanse your skin;
- Refresh in a cold fog-mist, stimulating and invigorating;
- The signature Sky Body Scrub, for a glowing and exfoliated skin;
- The steam room, a key step to maximized the body scrub benefits;
- Shower and relax in the lagoon, to enjoy the beautiful views for a last time.
Then, re-board your coach for the transfer back to the pier.
- We recommend you to bring your swimsuit. A towel will be provided at the Sky Lagoon entrance. The beautiful facility offers a tax-free shop, café, restaurant and changing-room facilities. This excursion is not recommended for persons suffering from heart problems, high blood pressure, diabetes or pregnant women.
Duration of excursions are given as a guide only. The order of the visits may be reversed.
Total : 110 €
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
The Ice Fjord by the sea
As your ship will be at anchoring, you will board small local boats directly from the ship.
First, you will cruise along the coast to discover Ilulissat and its coloured houses, and then get to the open-sea to reach the ice fjord, the Isfjord. The small boats will slide on the calm waters of the Disko Bay, by clearing its way between the small ice packs.
You will perhaps see the boats of some fishermen and seal hunters. Then, huge white masses with bluish glints and deep caverns will appear… icebergs! The vision is imposing and gripping!
At the end of this navigation among the ices, you will go back to your ship.
- For this excursion and like everywhere else in Greenland, we recommend you wear comfortable shoes, a wind and waterproof jacket, a hat and sunglasses and to take a warm pullover and an insect repellent. Please be aware that this excursion is submitted to weather and ice conditions.
Total : 120 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Sermermiut & the Ice Fjord
From the wharf, your coach will drive you through Ilulissat to the south. Upon arrival, a guided walk of about 45 minutes will lead you to the idyllic Sermermiut valley that lies out towards the ice fjord.
In 1727, the place was Greenland’s biggest settlement and home to more than 250 people. Excavations have subsequently revealed that, for thousands of years, the beautiful valley has at various times been home to all of the cultures that have lived along the west coast of Greenland. This abandoned settlement is nowadays a very important archaeology centre for scientists, even if there aren’t any spectacular relics of these civilisations, as the Inuits did not build huge constructions.
Here, the main highlights are the beautiful landscapes of this sober, pure and fascinating nature: white and bluish masses, rising like mysterious mountains… Icebergs everywhere! Indeed, the Sermermiut Glacier is the most ice-productive in the northern hemisphere.
You will then walk back to your coach so as to return to Ilulissat, the old city and the port. You may wish to saunter in the city, and perhaps pay homage to Knud Rasmussen, the famous Danish explorer born in Ilulissat, whose childhood home is now a museum.
- For this excursion including a round-trip walk of 1½ hour and like everywhere else in Greenland, we recommend you wear comfortable shoes, a wind and waterproof jacket, a hat and sunglasses, and take a warm pullover and an insect repellent. Please note that this excursion is submitted to weather conditions.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
COMFORT PACKAGE: TRANSFER AIRPORT/HOTEL + NIGHT IN PARIS CDG AIRPORT
For your serenity, PONANT organises your transfer and select for you an ideally located hotel.
Day 1 - Disembarkation Day
After landing of your flight selected by PONANT in Paris, meet and greet at the airport and transfer to the Pullman Roissy CDG hotel.
Check-in in your room.
Evening and dinner at leisure.
Day 2 – Roissy CDG
Breakfast on your own followed by check-out.
Your hotel:
The Pullman Roissy CDG hotel is a four stars property located in Roissy. Located at 2 minutes walking from Roissypole, RER and CDGVal station, you will easily be able to join it.
This programme includes:
- Transfer mentionned in the programme.
- 1-night accomodation in Classic Room at the Pullman Roissy CDG 4*.
- A soft welcome drink, upon arrival at the hotel.
This programme does not include:
- Dinner of day 1.
- Breakfast of day 2.
- Tips and gratuities.
- All personal expenses (meals and drinks, sightseeing, etc.)
- Early check-in, late check-out and other services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
- Official hotel check-in time is 4:00 p.m
- Official hotel check-out time is 12:00 p.m
- Late check-out might be available depending on availability and on a supplement basis.
Contact of your hotel:
Pullman Roissy CDG Airport
3 Bis Rue de la Haye
93290
Roissy-en-France
Phone: +33 01 70 03 11 63
Total : 110 €
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.